Thyroid hormone is a tyrosine-based hormone produced by thyroid gland. It contains triiodothyronine (T3) and thyroxine (T4). It is vital for the proper development of all cells in our body. It is essential for regulating the body’s metabolism rate, body energy and use of vitamins and other hormones.
However, there are instances when the body’s thyroid production center may be malfunctioning. There are two instances where thyroid hormone treatment is necessary:
Thyroid hormone replacement therapy is used in the case of hypothyroidism. This is when the thyroid glands are not making enough thyroid hormones. The reason can be due to a non-functioning or absent thyroid gland or a non-functioning pituitary gland. The lack of T3 and T4 slows down your metabolism rate. This in turn will decide your energy levels, your heart rate, how you process food, and even how you think.
The treatment replicates thyroid functioning. The standard treatment involves taking synthetic T4. Synthetic thyroxine works in much the same way that our thyroid hormones naturally would. Your required level of dosage is highly individualistic. Replacement therapy is highly effective when administered with the right dosage.
The thyroid hormone suppression therapy is used to stop any further growth of the thyroid tissue. This treatment is used to keep thyroid stimulating hormones or TSH at a low level. It stops the growth of any enlarged thyroid gland or any thyroid nodules. It can also be very important in the treatment of thyroid cancer. It can stop the growth of any new thyroid cancer cells. Similarly, it will also suppress the growth of any residual cancer cells.
So how do you decide that you have a thyroid problem? If left untreated it can have severe effect on the functioning of the brain and heart. You need to watch out for these symptoms.
Symptoms for hypothyroidism:
Symptoms for hyperthyroidism: